An example of a newly adapted 5 session, short-form project model we trialled in 2024. This model is particularly useful in supporting existing scheduled curriculum activities.

In Sounds of the Fish Quay, we were asked to blend photography with a planned soundwalk, the school participated in annually, led by sonic artist, Ed Carter. We adapted a project plan, delivering three bespoke camera skills sessions for Year 4 pupils, in preparation for their scheduled trip to the coast and a walk from The Spanish Battery to North Shields Fish Quay.

Our approach blended photography with deep listening as pupils walked the route wearing headphones linked by Bluetooth to a sound recording device controlled by Ed Carter. As Ed introduced pupils to the acoustic ecology of this environment, they were able to actively respond with their own concurrent photographic documentation, taking multiple pictures and providing varied and stunning record of the area’s seascapes, features and details including a portrait of a ferocious Wolf Fish you see in the title image.

Pupils subsequently used their photographs to inspire the creation of individual haikus, which were then recorded and mixed with the soundscape and combined with photographs from each pupil to create a photo film record of the trip. This film was made available via QR Code as an accompaniment to public the exhibition of pupils’ photographs which was held in the foyer of North Shields Library over the duration of summer of 2024.